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Tutorial: Use pennies to make a weighted hem

August 2, 2017 by Anne Weaver

Tutorial: Use pennies to make a weighted hemLightweight fabrics make beautiful gathered skirts and blouses, but sometimes that lightweight fabric needs a little bit of weight so it hangs the way you like – and to help prevent a hem from flipping up on a windy day. Heather from Feather’s Flights shows a neat trick she learned working in a tailor shop.  She sews a couple of pennies into the hem of a lightweight skirt to add some weight.  She’s got a tutorial on her blog showing how to do it.

Click below for her tutorial:

Why You Need Pennies In Your Sewing Room, by Feather’s Flights

[photo from Feather’s Flights]

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Comments

  1. Ruth Beaty says

    September 16, 2017 at 2:25 pm

    This really isn’t a good idea as pennies will corrode after exposure to water or other cleaning fluids. There are things made especially for this that you can find at most places that sell fabric or on line. Just look for hem or dress weights. They are like a metal button without the fear of corrosion. I’ve heard of using nickels, but think you would have the same problem after awhile.

Have you read?

Sewing Pattern – Simple Shift Dress

Are you looking to make your first dress or just craving a quick, stylish sewing project? The Simple Shift Dress tutorial from Sew Essential is the perfect starting point! This tutorial walks you through each step of the process, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned sewers looking for a no-fuss yet fashionable creation. Shift dresses are known for their timeless design and flattering shape, making them a wardrobe staple for many. Whether you’re preparing for a casual outing or a special event, this dress can be made to suit any occasion.

What makes this project so beginner-friendly? The instructions are clear, straightforward, and easy to follow. Plus, the pattern is simple, so you don’t need advanced sewing skills to create a stunning dress that looks professionally made. The straight lines and minimal shaping allow for a great deal of customization, so you can tweak the design to fit your personal taste, whether by experimenting with different fabrics or adding fun details like pockets, a belt, or a decorative hem.

For a more comfortable and tailored fit, you can also adjust the sleeve length, neckline, or hemline to suit the season or your style preferences. This shift dress pattern is incredibly versatile, offering you a broad canvas to explore your creativity in garment sewing.

And if you’re wondering about fabric, this project works beautifully with a variety of materials! Lightweight cotton, linen, jersey, or even a heavier fabric for cooler months—this shift dress can adapt to different textures and colors to create a unique piece that reflects your personality.

So, if you’re eager to enhance your sewing skills with a dress that’s both simple and stylish, be sure to check out Sew Essential’s Simple Shift Dress tutorial. This project is sure to build your confidence in dressmaking while delivering a stunning end result you’ll want to wear again and again! Happy sewing!

Free pattern: Simply Shift Dress

Sewing Pattern Tutorial: Scalloped shift dress

Shift dress pattern, linen dress pattern, PDF sewing patterns

Tutorial: Mod Shift Dress for little girls

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